Road Trip!

Last weekend we nipped across the border to get a respite from Metro LA.  Lest you think we headed for Tijuana that's not the border I mean. We drove south on the 405 into the Newport Beach-Irvine area of Orange County. Wow, it was the day after Comps in college!  We knew it had been stressful in Metro LA but the feeling of relief, of having a weight lifted was tangible.  Life is very different 50 miles south of Santa Monica. To our way of thinking it was a change for the better.

The first thing we did after checking in to our hotel, where they know us and welcome us back, was to head for the bike/walking trail and head for the Bill Farmer Park.  Although there was no lovely blue ocean to follow, it was good to be able to kick out and up my pace, not having to fear slipping on sandy walks or being menaced by bikers. It was warm and I added to my pink tan before we got back to the hotel.

We planned to visit a favorite Greek restaurant for dinner but learned that it was closed. (What is it with the Greeks this year?)  I had read of an Irish place so we headed for Tustin's "The District" which is a massive shopping center designed by someone who hated automobiles. Let's just say that parking is strange there, but not impossible once you get the hang of the layout. Anyhow we found the Irish place, The Auld Dubliner, semantically challenged and allowing smoking outdoors.  The smoking kept us inside where we could appreciate a very authentic looking pub.  Since it was technically a sports bar there were lots of burgers and wings on the menu. There were also traditional Irish items. This place served one of the best Guinness Irish stews I have ever tasted! It was loaded with fork tender beef and vegetables you could identify. If you are ever in that area I heartily recommend the place. We had hoped to go back for the corned beef and cabbage or the Shepherd's Pie, but didn't make it. Next time.

Whenever we are in the area I check out the cultural listings. Symphony Hall in LA is a bit too intimidating for me but the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa is just right. This absolutely beautiful center has a number of separate venues for all sorts of arts performances. It is the home of Orange County's Pacific Symphony. There are family, classical, and pop concerts, and two theatres. Each venue is architecturally interesting.  Symphony performances are held at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Seniors and students can obtain "Rush" tickets for $20. if tickets are available an hour before the concert. This year we heard Nicola Benedetti perform the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 at the Beethoven & Benedetti concert. Very enjoyable and very comfortable. This beautiful facility is attracting top talent; the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Riccardo Muti conducting is performing later this month. Visit www.scfta.org for more information.

Another side trip we took was to the Great Park, which is not yet great. The city of Irvine is developing a massive park (to be larger than Central Park when it is finished) on the site of the former El Toro Marine Air base, aka where God lost his shoes.  The city is trying to entice visitors with free hot air balloon rides but it was too windy to go up when we visited. Meterologically speaking it was blowing at 15 mph. There was plenty of hot air on the site though--hot, hot, dry, dry. The park will be lovely someday with trees, trails and a lake, although I don't know where the water will come from. It must be costing a fortune! It should be interesting to see it next year to check on its progress.

Reality must be faced eventually and we were back in Santa Monica by Monday evening. Back to the sun, surf, and blood pressure medication.